Generics

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Amneal Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic version of an antidepressant made by Forest Labs.

The drug maker announced the launch of escitalopram oxalate oral solution in 5-mg/5-mL strength in a peppermint flavor, the company said. The product is a therapeutically equivalent alternative to Lexapro and also marks the first generic version of the drug in liquid form on the market.

Amneal said it has begun shipping the product and is available to wholesalers, distributors, as well as directly to the trade.

CHADDS FORD, Pa. — Endo Pharmaceuticals is hoping the Food and Drug Administration will back tougher regulatory approval requirements for generic versions of one of its drugs.

SILVER SPRINGS, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic version of an antidepressant made by Forest Labs, the agency said Wednesday.

The FDA announced the approval of a generic version of Lexapro (escitalopram) made by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in the 5-mg, 10-mg and 20-mg strengths. The drug is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder in adults.

NEW YORK — Forest Labs has filed suit against Glenmark Generics and several other companies, alleging that they infringed on its patent for a drug to treat hypertension by seeking regulatory approval for generic versions.

Forest and Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceutica NV have sued Glenmark, Hetero USA, Torrent Pharmaceuticals and Watson Labs in response to their filing regulatory approval applications with the Food and Drug Administration for generic versions of Bystolic (nebivolol).

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Pharmaceutical wholesaler H.D. Smith has appointed Bill Williams as CFO, the company said Wednesday.

Williams, who has worked at such companies as Kraft Foods, Allied Signal and Martin Brower Co., most recently worked as a partner in Tatum LLC's Chicago office.

NEW YORK — Pfizer and Indian drug maker Biocon have ended a partnership that the companies started in 2010 to develop biosimilar treatments for diabetes, the companies said.

PITTSBURGH — Mylan is getting new headquarters, the company said.

The generic drug maker said it would build a new headquarters near its current one in Southpointe Office Park in Cecil Township, Pa., south of Pittsburgh.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Friday applauded the Senate for passage of the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act (S. 1886), which NACDS said would protect the health and safety of consumers by increasing penalties on criminals that engage in the harmful practice of trafficking in counterfeit medications.

The bill is sponsored by Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Michael Bennet, D-Colo.